Boat and RV storage in Montana: costs, options, and passive income

Montana has approximately ~55,000 registered RVs and ~58,000 registered boats — all needing reliable, affordable storage. Whether you own a vessel or a rig looking for storage, or a property owner with space to rent, Garage Space connects both sides of the market.

Owning a boat or RV is one of life's great pleasures — but storing it shouldn't be a source of stress, guesswork, or overpaying. In Montana, the average monthly cost for boat and RV storage ranges from $72/month for outdoor uncovered spots to $162/month or more for enclosed indoor storage. And demand at good facilities fills up faster than most owners expect.

Garage Space offers a peer-to-peer alternative: connecting boat and RV owners directly with Montana property owners who have unused land, covered spaces, barns, and large lots. Owners get convenient, affordable local storage. Hosts earn meaningful passive income from space that was sitting idle.

Boat and RV storage costs in Montana: a full breakdown

Storage costs vary significantly based on the type of storage you choose. Here's what Montana owners can expect to pay across all three main options:

The average monthly cost for boat and RV storage nationally is approximately $131, but ranges from $50 to $500+ depending on location, vehicle size, and storage type. Montana's market reflects its unique geography, climate, and ownership density.

The Montana boat and RV storage market in 2025

Montana's boat and RV storage market is tightening in step with the state's population surge. The Flathead Valley — home to Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park, and the ski resort town of Whitefish — is experiencing storage demand that has outrun commercial capacity. New transplants from California and the Pacific Northwest, accustomed to paying coastal storage rates, are willing to pay premium rates for quality covered storage. Garage Space peer-to-peer opportunities are emerging throughout Montana's lake and mountain communities.

• National avg.$131
• Billings (RV)$95
• Missoula (RV)$105
• Whitefish (RV)$118

Sources: Bish's RV, RV Life, Easy Storage Search, Storage Star, and local market data. Rates reflect average monthly outdoor/covered RV storage near city centers. Indoor rates typically run 40-60% higher. Boat storage rates are similar to RV rates in most markets.

Storage demand by city in Montana

Boat and RV storage demand varies significantly across Montana. Here's a breakdown of key markets:

RV storage in Montana: what owners need to know

Montana's RV market is driven by its spectacular wilderness — Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and millions of acres of public land make it one of the premier RV destinations in the country. The state's population boom, driven by California and Washington transplants, has increased RV ownership significantly. Bozeman's rapid growth has pushed RV storage demand well above local facility capacity.

Choosing the right RV storage type

Outdoor uncovered storage is the most affordable but leaves your RV exposed to UV rays, weather, and debris. Covered storage — a roof without side walls — provides meaningful protection against the elements at a moderate price premium. Indoor enclosed storage offers the best protection for high-value motorhomes, prevents UV damage to rubber roofs and seals, and deters theft — but costs the most. In Montana, the decision often comes down to how long the off-season is and how severe the weather gets.

Boat storage in Montana: what owners need to know

Flathead Lake alone justifies Montana's boating culture — at 28 miles long and covering nearly 200 square miles, it's the largest natural freshwater lake in the western US. Fort Peck Reservoir, Canyon Ferry, and the Bighorn River canyon add to a diverse boating landscape. Montana registers approximately 60,000 boats, with the Flathead Valley area most storage-constrained.

Proper winterization and storage best practices

Regardless of storage type, proper winterization is essential for any boat stored through cold or wet seasons. This typically includes flushing the engine, fogging cylinders, draining the bilge and live wells, protecting the hull, disconnecting the battery, and applying a quality cover or shrink wrap. Stored properly in a quality Garage Space listing, your boat can emerge each spring ready to go.

How Garage Space works for boat and RV storage in Montana

How much can you earn hosting boat and RV storage in Montana?

The income potential for Garage Space hosts depends on location, storage type, and the size of vessel or rig you can accommodate. Here's a realistic estimate for a Montana homeowner near Flathead Lake, Whitefish, or in the Bozeman area with land or outbuildings for boat or RV storage:

Garage Space vs. commercial boat and RV storage in Montana

Your space is already earning — for someone else.

List a garage, driveway or spare room in minutes. You set the price and the availability; we handle the booking, the payments and the renter screening.

Become a host

Find boat or RV storage in Montana today

Browse local listings or list your space and start earning passive income.

Frequently asked questions about boat and RV storage in Montana

• How much does boat storage cost in Montana in 2025?

  Boat storage in Montana costs approximately $68/month for outdoor uncovered storage, $98/month for covered storage, and $152/month for fully enclosed indoor storage. Prices vary by city, vessel size, and proximity to water. Garage Space peer-to-peer listings typically run 15-25% below commercial facility rates.

• How much does RV storage cost in Montana in 2025?

  RV storage in Montana ranges from $72/month for outdoor uncovered storage to $108/month for covered and $162/month for fully enclosed indoor storage. Larger RVs (Class A motorhomes, fifth wheels) typically cost more than smaller trailers and travel vehicles. Long-term commitments of 6 months or more usually receive a 10-15% monthly discount.

• What is the best type of boat or RV storage in Montana?

  The best storage type depends on your budget, how long you're storing, and Montana's climate in your region. Outdoor uncovered storage is fine for short periods in mild weather but exposes your vessel or rig to UV damage and weather. Covered storage offers a good middle ground. Indoor enclosed storage is the gold standard — especially for high-value vessels, extended storage periods, or in regions with harsh winters or intense UV exposure. Garage Space hosts offer all three types across Montana.

• Can I earn money by renting out storage space for boats and RVs in Montana?

  Yes. Property owners in Montana with available land, covered pads, barns, or large enclosed garages can list on Garage Space and earn $82-$108/month after platform fees, or $984-$1,296/year per spot. Hosts near lakes, marinas, popular recreation areas, or in suburban areas where HOA restrictions prevent home storage have the strongest income potential. Garage Space handles booking, payment, and renter vetting.

• When is the best time to secure boat or RV storage in Montana?

  Montana's storage season is long and cold. Boats typically need storage from October through May — a 7-month winter period. RV storage peaks in fall and spring. Heated indoor storage commands significant premiums given Montana's severe winters. In general, it's best to secure storage 4-8 weeks before you need it. Popular facilities and Garage Space listings near lakes and recreation areas fill quickly, especially at the end of boating season and before major holidays. Booking early locks in better rates and guarantees availability.

Sources

1. Bish's RV — RV Storage Cost: Average Cost Per Month and Tips
2. RV Life — How Much Does RV and Boat Storage Cost?
3. Easy Storage Search — Boat Storage Cost Calculator, 2025
4. Storage Star — How Much Do Storage Units Cost, 2025
5. HornsAuto — Boat and RV Storage Rates, Costs and Tips to Save, 2025
6. U.S. Coast Guard — Recreational Boating Statistics by State
7. RV Industry Association — State RV Registration Data
8. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Recreation Area Visitation Statistics